Washington — U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday issued a stark warning to Iraq’s political leadership, saying Washington would withdraw American support if former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki is reinstated as Iraq’s next premier, raising fresh tensions in Middle East geopolitics.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said Iraq would be making a “very bad choice” by returning al-Maliki to office and suggested that Baghdad could suffer serious consequences if that happens. Trump claimed that during al-Maliki’s previous time in power, the country “descended into poverty and total chaos,” and argued that Washington would “no longer help Iraq” if he is elected again.
Trump wrote that without U.S. assistance, Iraq would have “zero chance of success, prosperity or freedom,” framing his intervention as a warning to Iraqi lawmakers amid a protracted government formation process.
Al-Maliki, who first served as prime minister from 2006 to 2014, remains a divisive figure in Iraqi politics. His previous leadership was marked by intensified sectarian violence, political instability and rising Iranian influence, issues that have continued to shape Iraq’s current political landscape.
The warning comes as Iraq’s Coordination Framework, a coalition of mostly Shiite political parties holding a parliamentary majority, has nominated al-Maliki as its candidate for prime minister. This nomination follows months of political deadlock after caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani failed to form a government.
Trump’s comments also reflect long-standing U.S. concerns about Iran’s influence in Baghdad. U.S. officials have repeatedly stressed that Iranian-backed militias and political factions wield significant power in Iraq, prompting Washington to push for a government that counters Tehran’s sway.
Iraq’s constitution requires the newly elected president, expected to be selected by parliament later this week, to formally designate the prime ministerial nominee, who then has 15 days to form a government. The choice of leader will test Iraq’s delicate power-sharing balance and could have broad implications for U.S.–Iraq relations.
Originally Published By: Reuters, AP and Al-Monitor
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